FIFA President, Gianni Infantino has called on the English Premier League and the Spanish La Liga to release players for the World Cup Qualifiers slated for September.
Infantino made this call following a unanimous announcement by Premier League clubs to restrict their players from participating in World Cup Qualifiers in South America and other nations on the UK Covid-19 red list.
“I am calling on a show of solidarity from every member association, every league, and every club, to do what is both right and fair for the global game,” Infantino said in a statement.
The FIFA supremo also noted that many of the World's best players are plying their trades in England and Spain and it's pertinent to put the sporting integrity of competition into consideration.
“Many of the best players in the world compete in leagues in England and Spain, and we believe these countries also share the responsibility to preserve and protect the sporting integrity of competitions around the world.”
A statement from the Premier League revealed that nearly 60 players were set to travel to 26 countries on Britain's “red list” while LaLiga said 25 players from 13 different clubs were affected with more likely to follow when Ecuador and Venezuela announce their squads.
The international break in September begins after this weekend's matches and runs for two weeks, with the Premier League resuming on September 11.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
